Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/258790
Jumbo Concerns I read with interest your profile on Oberto Oberti in the Winter 2013 issue. Living in the Kootenays, I am familiar with Mr. Oberti's tenacity for developing the Jumbo Pass area into a ski resort. I was among many Kootenay residents dismayed to learn that, after 20-plus years of consistent public opposition and studies showing wildlife impacts, the B.C. government would allow Mr. Oberti to "win approval for his dream ski-resort project." The problem is that his d r e a m c o m e s a t t h e expense of others. Mr. Oberti describes Jumbo as his "cathedral." It is mine, too. In fact, the Jumbo area is a sacred place for many people, including the Ktunaxa Nation, who call the area Qat'muk, "Home of the Grizzly Bear Spirit." The region is home to an important grizzly population. The Ktunaxa say that the Jumbo Resort will sever the sacred connection between their people and Qat'muk. Even as a tourism destination, Oberti's vision is flawed. Why would we look to Europe to develop iconic ski resorts? We have our own – Banff, Lake Louise and legendary Kootenay champagne powder at ski hills connected to cool hip mountain towns. And we have wilderness. B.C.'s comparative advantage over the long term will be its iconic wild places, if they can stay that way. My heart goes out to Mr. Oberti, who is clearly passionate about his dream. Sadly, he is looking in a rear-view mirror. It is not the time or the place for the Jumbo Resort development. The Jumbo Glacier deserves to be conserved as a cathedral accessible to all. Ruth Beck, Nelson To comment: Email us at westworld@bcaa.com or kmah@canadawide.com. Or write us at Westworld Letters, BCAA, 4567 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C. V5G 4T1 ( fax: 604-268-5565). Letters may be edited for length and clarity. mailbag Lasting Legacy p10-11_EdsNt_Mlbg.indd 11 14-01-29 11:47 AM